ATLANTA - Major League Baseball and the players union announced the creation of a concussion policy Tuesday that will be in effect starting Opening Day.
One particularly important aspect of the policy will be the creation of a seven-day disabled list to allow time for players and umpires to be evaluated, treated and then allowed to return from the injury. Any player who needs more than 14 days to recover will be automatically transferred to the 15-day DL.
Another part of the plan include mandatory baseline testing for all players and umpires during spring training and when a player joins a club.
The concussion committee, which includes Twins head trainer Rick McWane, first met during the winter meetings in December.
"It was important that MLB gets out on the forefront of this and take the initiative to be a leader in this field," McWane said.
The Twins have seen up close the long-term effects of concussions. Justin Morneau is nearing his first regular- season game since July 7 because of one.
"This game is all about protecting its players," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "The one thing it does do is give you a chance to take a player and check him out without having to put him on a 15-day DL and waiting two weeks. [It's about] taking a player out, sitting him down for a few days and making sure we are doing the right thing. [It] gives him a chance to regroup and see where he's at at the end of seven days."
Mauer good to go Twins catcher Joe Mauer said his timing at the plate never has been an issue this spring, despite not appearing in a game until March 16 and playing in only seven Grapefruit League games.
